Iran estimates economy 6 weeks from collapse, fears new uprising – report

Top regime council meets amid fears that looming economic collapse could reignite widespread unrest, with officials estimating Iran can only endure 6-8 weeks of the American blockade.

By World Israel News Staff

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council recently held a high-level meeting over fears that worsening economic conditions could trigger a new wave of nationwide protests, Iran International reported on Monday.

The meeting was reportedly chaired by council secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr and followed internal intelligence assessments warning that unrest could erupt in the coming days, according to sources cited by the outlet.

Officials reportedly identified rising prices, unemployment, and damage to key industries, including oil, petrochemicals and steel, as the main drivers of potential unrest.

Security agencies presented a grim assessment of the economy, warning that shutdowns in major industrial sectors and prolonged internet disruptions have caused widespread job losses.

One internal regime assessment cited in the report said Iran’s economy may be able to withstand only six to eight weeks under the current naval blockade, which began on April 13.

The report said officials are especially worried about the near-total shutdown of production centers in oil, petrochemicals and steel, with some assessments warning that rebuilding the damaged sectors could take years.

The economic pressure is also being felt online.

Iran has faced severe internet restrictions for months, and Reuters reported Tuesday that Tehran approved a limited “Internet Pro” plan for businesses as the blackout continues to disrupt commercial activity.

Iran International said security officials warned that roughly 20% of workers dependent on online activity have been left unemployed, while another two million private-sector jobs could be at risk by the end of spring.

The financial system has also been hit, with closures of banks, the stock exchange, gold markets and currency exchanges effectively freezing parts of the economy.

Security officials also reportedly discussed the possibility that exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi could call for new demonstrations and that his supporters could respond.

Calls for protests around International Workers’ Day have added to the concern. Labor groups have demanded wage increases, the release of detained activists, an end to repressive rulings and the right to form independent unions.

Iranian security agencies have reportedly concluded that renewed protests are inevitable, with the main uncertainty being when they begin.

Officials reportedly warned that protests during negotiations with the United States or after an extension of the ceasefire could pose a serious threat to the survival of the Islamic Republic.